Islamabad: Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, held a special meeting with Lt. Commander (R) Shawaz Hussain — former Naval Pilot who lost his eyesight during service and is currently the Chief Executive of May Day Foundation, an institution working for persons with disabilities.
The meeting focused on the rights, facilities, and effective implementation of the Disability Act 2020 in Pakistan, as well as the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
During the discussion, a number of proposals were reviewed in detail. The Minister reaffirmed his commitment that the present government, his ministry, and other relevant institutions are determined to resolve the issues of persons with disabilities and ensure provision of necessary facilities.
Shawaz Hussain appreciated Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar’s keen interest in addressing disability-related concerns and acknowledged his directives issued during the Disability Council meeting held on May 25 to ensure welfare of persons with disabilities.
He highlighted that the fundamental problem faced by persons with disabilities is the lack of coordination among institutions working for their welfare. He further stated that persons with disabilities make up around 10–15% of the country’s total population, approximately 30 million people, out of which 71% are unemployed.
Shawaz Hussain presented the following key proposals:
1. Reservation of five seats each in Senate and National Assembly, and ten seats each in Provincial Assemblies for persons with disabilities.
2. Establishment of a separate monitoring division within the Human Rights Ministry dedicated to disability-related affairs.
3. Setting up of help centers and special counters at key public places.
4. Provision of speaking mobile phones and guiding canes for visually impaired individuals.
5. Establishment of housing colonies for persons with disabilities, with separate sectors within existing colonies.
6. Allocation of 10% quota in civil awards for encouragement of persons with disabilities.
7. Increase in employment quota from 3% to 10%.
8. Establishment of a dedicated helpline “10” for persons with disabilities.
9. Establishment of separate courts for addressing disability-related issues.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar praised Shawaz Hussain’s proposals, personal achievements, and courage, assuring sympathetic and serious consideration of these suggestions. He also expressed the desire to benefit from Hussain’s abilities in the future.
On this occasion, Shawaz Hussain also presented his book “The Journey from Sight to Vision”.
